This wine is a blend of 87% Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Suscol Bench Merlot and 3% Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. These grapes are from the Pritchard Hill area of Stagecoach Vineyard.
Aged in a new French oak Vicard barrel for 18 months. Dark fruit on the nose integrated with dried herbs and subtle toasty oak.. The wine is packed with ripe fruit flavors that are well-structured and show the depth of what this site can produce.
Indy International Wine Competition - Gold
This wine is made from 84% Oakville (Napa) Cabernet enhanced with 11.7% Petit Verdot, 2.5% other Napa Cabernet and 1.8% Cabernet Franc. The Oakville Cabernet was sourced from several blocks of clones 4, 6 and 337 that were planted in the mid 90’s in the gravelly, well-drained soils that are perfect for Bordeaux varieties. Wines made from this vineyard regularly score exceptionally high and often rank as “cult cabs” by wine writers. This vineyard is so famous that we weren't allowed to use its name on this label, but if you can keep a secret (its initials were "TK").
Aged in French oak for 18 months, is shows deep dark red color with purplish hue. Smaller amounts were aged in new Frech Oak, heavy toast barrels. It has a tight nose of ripe dark fruit, cigar box and wild spices such as cloves and black currant buds. The wine is a rich entry showing tremendous complexity and focus. The sturdy tannins envelop the fruit quite well from the midpalate through to the expansive and long finish. The tightness of the wine only shows its long term potential, yet the softness of the vintage allows for some good fruit expression early on to allow for some instant gratification.
2009 INDY International Wine Competition - Silver
This wine is made from 84% Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet enhanced with smaller amounts of 9.75% Petit Verdot, 3.75% Cabernet Franc and 2.5% other Napa Cabernet. This mountain grown Cabernet came from 12 year old vines in the Pritchard Hill area of Stagecoach Vineyard at elevations from 900-1800 feet. This site is known for the rugged volcanic rock, well-drained soils and the cool fog that keeps the vineyard between 1-2 degrees C below the Oakville mean temperature.
Aged in French oak for 18 months, it shows deep color with red-purplish hue. Smaller amounts were aged in new Frech Oak, heavy toast barrels. The nose exhibits a lovely ripe black current characteristic integrated with the nutty and toasty notes of the oak barrel. The palate is well structured and shows the ripeness that is noticed in the nose. The midpalate is beautifully integrated and balanced between the fruit, acidity and oak influence. This balance is a solid bridge to the lengthy finish.
International Wine Competition
Medium deep ruby color with good depth. Complex nose of blackberry and blackcurrant fruit integrated with toasty wood notes and cloves.
Well balanced in the palate, with good structure and soft tannins. The fruit blends well with the flavors of toasty oak, and the focus of the wine carries well through the finish.